The Lifecycle Challenge has long been seen as one of the premier cycling events of the year. Attracting dedicated groups of enthusiastic cyclists every year, it is one of the most arduous events on the calendar, with cyclists averaging over 150km per day. Alan Curry, ex-serviceman and trainer for the LifeCycle Challenge, is not one to mince words. His achievement of taking often-complete beginners into the world of cycling and transforming them into cyclists capable of traversing incredible distances is very impressive. Here we ask him a few questions about the Lifecycle event and the training that precedes it.

What does the Lifecycle mean to you, personally?

It’s personal to me and therefore is very important. It means adventure, challenge and actually doing something actively positive to help others

How did you come up with the idea?

My wife Carmen has suffered from Renal failure, and I wish to help others facing this difficult situation.

How possible is Lifecycle for the average man in the street?

If you have a reasonable level of fitness, have an adventurous spirit, and love an extreme challenge, then we’ll do the rest...

How much time would one need to dedicate in training?

Well the training programme is progressive but by the last six weeks you will need a minimum of 15 hours a week.

How much would a person need to spend on a bike to participate?

Bikes can vary in cost from e400 – e3,000, however there are plenty of good second hand bikes for as little as e200

What was your most rewarding Lifecycle moment?

So many to mention!! Riding through the streets of Athens and seeing the Acropolis? Crossing the Arctic Circle? Stunt performances by cyclists to Japanese tourists outside the Basilica at Assisi? However if I had to pick one it would undoubtedly be reaching Haydon Bridge in 1999 having cycled from Malta. All of us realised at that point just how incredible Lifecycle was and how much good we could do.

Where would you like to go next with this event?

I would like us to get help in finding premises and be in a situation one day where we could possibly offer more than one trip a year and venture into all five continents. With big sponsors we could ensure that the Renal unit at Mater Dei is one of the best in the world.

Can you tell us a bit about what is planned for tomorrow? –

Tomorrow we will be meeting at the Bathroom Design roundabout, Birkirkara before cycling down to Sliema ferries in order to join members of the Cycling federation and other members of the public in the “Sport for all” campaign. This is an initiative organised by the Malta sports council.

Lifecycle are very conscious to support these initiatives and will ride with the group before heading for Ta’ Qali where HSBC (Life) will be organising a Health Awareness day in aid of Lifecycle. Official training will start with a 60km ride around Ta’ Qali, this first ride will cover relatively flat ground. The last 5km lap will see families and friends join the cyclists. As it is the first ride, the route will be fairly flat.

During the ride there will be all types of entertainment from BMX stunt bikes, bouncy castles, Police dog show, food stalls and free health checks.